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Tax increase barriers spur fee increases in Oklahoma

A big reason for the most recent growth in fees is the addition of a hospital provider fee in 2011. The money is used to leverage more federal Medicaid matching money. A similar fee at nursing homes has been in place for years.

A fee hike in the offing is a $12 increase in the cost of obtaining or renewing a driver's license. The extra money would cover the cost of adding examiners to reduce the chronic delays for people attempting to get a license.

Fees are onerous, but the people can't have things both ways. To keep taxes lower, fees have risen. With another income tax cut pending, look for more fee hikes around the next curve.

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by The Oklahoman Editorial Board

The Oklahoman Editorial Board consists of Gary Pierson, President and CEO of The Oklahoma Publishing Company; Christopher P. Reen, president and publisher of The Oklahoman; Kelly Dyer Fry, editor and vice president of news; Christy Gaylord...